Meet Nikki Sood of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Sood.

Hi Nikki, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in the UK and raised in Los Angeles, and creativity has always been a big part of who I am. I attended UCLA and earned my master’s in graphic design, knowing that whatever path I took, I wanted to make room for that creative spark.

After graduating, I worked alongside my father to help transform Gaylord Indian Restaurant into Tanzore, an Indian restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills with award-winning décor. I also managed its banquet space, creating events from Diwali celebrations to comedy nights. I loved bringing people together and making every experience feel special.

Around that time, I founded NamasteKidz, a program teaching young South Asian children “Hinglish” and helping them connect with their culture. It has been on hiatus, but it remains a passion project I hope to continue developing. My love for designing experiences also led me to launch Sparkling Imagination Events. Over two years, I planned private celebrations, including a sangeet for 700 guests.

In 2013, I shifted gears to help my father run our family’s quick-service restaurant business. Today, being a franchise operator and serving as president of our franchisee association keeps me busy and has helped me grow as a businesswoman and leader. But I’ve always continued looking for ways to express my creativity through projects, events, and philanthropy.

Travel and dining out bring me so much joy, so I began sharing those experiences on Instagram—destinations, restaurants, and the discoveries that make each trip memorable. It has become another creative outlet and a way to connect with people who share those interests.

My journey hasn’t followed one straight path, but creativity, family, culture, and bringing people together have been the common threads. I’m still exploring what comes next, and that’s part of what makes this chapter so exciting.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Life brings ups and downs, and one of my biggest struggles has been finding personal fulfillment while balancing family, business, and my own creative ambitions.

Working in a family business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. Finding my own voice and building confidence as a woman, leader, and entrepreneur has taken time. Only more recently have I felt comfortable giving my own dreams the space and attention they deserve.

Starting an online brand has been part of that growth. I’ve had to remind myself that it’s okay to try something new, put myself out there, and learn as I go. Turning 50 has made that especially meaningful—it’s never too late to pursue something that excites you.

I’m still learning every day. One of my biggest challenges is making time for the things I love when there are so many other responsibilities. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m getting better at making room for myself and recognizing that my passions deserve a place in my life, too.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My full-time work is as a franchise operator, helping run our family’s quick-service restaurants. It involves managing teams, overseeing operations, and solving problems every day. I’m still growing as a leader and a female entrepreneur, learning to trust my voice and bring my own perspective to the business.

My creative side is equally important to me. With a background in graphic design, hospitality, and event planning, I love the details that make an experience feel special. That creativity carries into my love of fashion, food, and travel, which I’m now sharing as I build my travel brand online—one small step at a time.

Being South Asian is an important part of who I am. Whether I’m planning a celebration, expressing myself through fashion, or sharing my travels, incorporating my culture and staying authentic to myself is essential.

That’s also why I haven’t given up on NamasteKidz, my passion project to help young children connect with our culture through language. Although it has been on hiatus, bringing it back is something I still want to work toward. I believe there is a real need and desire for the next generation to feel connected to their roots, and language can help them build that connection with their families and heritage.

What I’m most proud of is continuing to make room for my creativity and dreams alongside my business responsibilities. From planning events to starting my travel brand, it feels rewarding to create things that reflect who I am.

I think what sets me apart is the combination of my business experience, creative eye, and cultural perspective. I feel incredibly fortunate to explore the things I love, and I hope to encourage other women to pursue their passions at any age while staying true to themselves.

What’s next?
On the business front, my goal is to continue expanding our restaurant business and explore opportunities in real estate. I’m excited to build on the experience I’ve gained while challenging myself to learn something new.

On a more personal level, bringing back NamasteKidz remains close to my heart. I believe there’s a meaningful opportunity to help the next generation connect with our South Asian culture through language, and I’d love to give that vision fresh energy and attention.

I’m also looking forward to growing my online travel brand and sharing everything travel through my own lens—from destinations and restaurants to fashion, culture, and the little discoveries that make a trip special. I want it to feel personal, authentic, and true to who I am.

This next chapter is about being more intentional with my time and making space for the ideas I’ve carried with me for years. I recently turned 50, and I’m excited to keep growing, creating, and seeing where those passions can take me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: traveleditbynikki
• LinkedIn: nikkisood